8 dead after US hotel shooting in Wisconsin

Another four people were wounded in the incident and rushed to the hospital, where most remain in stable condition, Gene Purno, a police department spokeswoman, told AFP in a brief telephone interview.

"We don't know his motives at this time," added Sherri Stigler, another local police official.

The tragedy started to unfold shortly before 1:00 pm (1900 GMT) when at least two church groups were holding their regular services at a Sheraton Hotel in Brookfield, a western suburb of the city of Milwaukee.

The assailant allegedly burst into the conference rooms where members of the Living Church of God were praying and opened fire indiscriminately on people inside, creating pandemonium throughout the hotel.

His youngest victim was only 15, the oldest 72, officials said.

Brookfield Police Chief Daniel Tushaus told reporters that no accomplice of the 45-year-old man, who had attacked the parishioners with a handgun, was being sought at this time.

"We believe that the sole perpetrator is deceased," Tushaus said.

A pickup truck reportedly belonging to the gunman was impounded and towed by police from the hotel parking lot. A search was also underway at his house.

But no names -- either of the assailant or his victims -- have been made public.